Troubleshooting
Cabbage problems — and how to fix them
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cabbage white caterpillars
Cover with mesh from late spring.
Cabbage root fly
White maggots in the roots; use brassica collars at planting.
Splitting heads
Heavy rain after a dry spell; harvest as soon as the head feels firm.
Loose heads
Insufficient water or over-rich soil.
Clubroot
Acidic wet soil; lime and rotate.
Prevent cabbage problems before they start
Most cabbage issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cabbage problems — FAQ
Why is my cabbage cabbage white caterpillars?
Cover with mesh from late spring.
Why is my cabbage cabbage root fly?
White maggots in the roots; use brassica collars at planting.
Why is my cabbage splitting heads?
Heavy rain after a dry spell; harvest as soon as the head feels firm.
Why is my cabbage loose heads?
Insufficient water or over-rich soil.
Why is my cabbage clubroot?
Acidic wet soil; lime and rotate.